Frozen Atonement - The Beginnings

Nikki

The pathways Taz had taken Alex on prior must have been side channels or something because there was far more hustle and bustle going on in the hallways that they were traipsing through now. Alex had seen many shifters, kin, men, women, and children, of every race on their long trip through the halls. It was the smell of something delicious that caught his attention, tinged with bread, sweets, the clinking of pots. It was as if that had been a signal because suddenly all the children went running and screaming down the remainder of the hallway and through an arched doorway as Taz was laughing and setting the little boy down to run after them.

Everything in this place seemed to be of epic proportions, so naturally the food and staff had to be so as well. Taz paused by the door, letting the kids go as she reached out to touch Alex’s hand. It was almost an apology for not telling him, but she was also testing the waters.

Alex glanced down at the hand that touched his own, that spark made him smile as he looked up at Taz and the unsure look on her face before he released her hand. Before the woman could start thinking of something bad, that hand snaked around her waist and pulled her into his side as he leaned down to kiss the side of her head before looking back towards the screaming children.

The kitchen was huge and what he could see through the arched window looked to be a mix of old tradition and new. There was a huge island in the middle of the kitchen, the bottom stocked with pots, the top overflowing with bread, veggies, and assumedly some cooked meals, as there were trays covered with domes. There were staff bustling about everywhere and smack dab in the middle was an adorable little red-headed kin. She was not just any red head, something about her burned like a beacon of beauty that screamed for attention and seemed to demand that everyone look at her. She had the reddest hair he had ever seen and when Catori turned towards the screaming kids those eyes made Alex gasp.

Catori had heard them coming, but dinner had to be finished. She was busy barking orders out in that beautiful french, hands moving, directing where she wanted certain items before she turned towards the window and peered out towards the table, looking at everyone grabbing their seats and sending a wave towards Taz and her new man. Her eyes were a striking amber with tinges of orange and gold lacing through them, the pupils very cat-like rather than round. Her skin shimmered with a rich tan that most red heads only dreamed of, and that hair was a beautiful straight red that was currently pinned up at the back of her head. The aura which surrounded her, despite being just a kin, was powerful and she knew it. She commanded authority and often left people in awe. She rarely left her kitchen and Catori preferred it that way. “Just a moment, wee ones.” Catori spoke in fluent french, everything rolling off the tongue like a sickening sweet candy as the woman grabbed an already prepared tray and headed out the side door into the ‘dining room’ area and moved over to set the tray in the middle of the table. It was Taz’s little boy that leapt straight for the tray and was met with an “ah ah! Nikki! Payment!” Catori tapped her cheek and leaned over, waiting for a kiss from each child before they were turned loose on the bowls of ice-cream and all the fixings anyone could ever want.

It was a nice set up, with a huge table and chairs in the dining area that looked through an arched window into the kitchen area. The walls were lined with shelves and fridges where Alex could see it was overflowing with goods from pastries, breads, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and any drink anyone could ever want, and even sandwiches, cheeses and the like. Through a side door he could see something much like a pantry.

Alex watched all this with wonder for a moment, despite his ability to not just stare at kin as if they were a piece of meat, but to acknowledge his surroundings and others, yet suddenly he was having a difficult time looking at anything but Catori.

Taz laughed a bit as she reached up to push the bottom of Alex’s jaw. “Careful, you will start to drool…”

Alex closed his mouth quickly, clearing his throat as he glanced towards Catori as she settled the children. “Good Evening… I am Alpha Alexander.”

Catori glanced back towards Alex for a moment, her brow quirking a bit as she smiled. “I know who you are. You had my meat in your mouth before your mate’s.” Catori just smiled sweetly before she turned and stepped back into the kitchen.

Taz laughed even harder as she noticed that Alex was turning a bit red in the cheeks. Opening her mouth, she was just about to say something when the crack of a smack was heard and then she felt making her jump. “Oye!”

Nix had come into the room just behind them, both hands reaching out to smack Alex on the ass and then Taz. “Hello sweet cheeks. Nice to see you have pants on now.” Nix waggled her brows at Alex, grinning even more as he turned even more red in the face by the second. “Of course, you could take them off again, I won’t complain…”

Nix moved straight over towards the counter as she snagged a wicker basket from the stack on the side and then walked through the doorway Alex had been eyeing. She could be heard talking to them from there. “That Beta you have is nice to look at. Maybe I will take him out for a roll in the dirt. Then again, maybe I could just snag the pair of you.” Nix purred as she made her way back into the doorway, glancing towards Taz and Alex with a grin, her basket now full of items that appeared to be for a specific dinner before she turned to blow a kiss towards Catori. “See you later, love.” Nix moved over towards the table of children, kissing each one in turn and tickling their sides or in general making them all squeal from tickles, raspberries or pretending to eat them before she headed back out the door, but not without another smack to Alex’s ass before she went.

Taz just watched, seeming used to the antics as she rolled her eyes with a laugh and glanced at the horrified look on Alex’s face, grinning even more. “Nix is a terrible flirt with everyone. It does not matter if you are mated or not, the more the merrier with Nix. She isn’t picky.” Taz seemed amused by it as she laughed a bit and gave a shrug of her shoulders before finally moving to pull out a chair and motioning Alex to have a seat.

Alex was not sure how he felt about Nix and the desire to take his Beta for a tumble in the sheets. It was clear Nix was a shifter and so was his Beta, forbidden to breed with one another by law and here they were living in the place that made the laws and Nix wanted a tumble? Alex glanced towards the chair Taz had pulled out and moved to have a seat, but his hands grabbed her hips, tugging her down to sit upon his lap, enjoying the little squeak-like noise she made. Both arms were wrapped about Tazina’s waist as Alex pressed against her back, his hand worming its way under her scrubs to her belly and for the moment just resting there.

Taz was a bit surprised as Alex seemed so forward and pulled her onto his lap, but there was no denying that his hands about her felt good. Those tingles, and the way his rough hands touched her soft skin. It was when his hand went under her shirt that she gave a small groan and a slight squirm on his lap. The touch of his hand against her bare belly instantly made her wet and she had to suppress the desire to run back to his room and hide for the rest of the day. Instead, she fixed her gaze upon the kids, clearing her throat. “Nikki, not too much chocolate, please.”

The little boy couldn’t have been more than three or four, he was happily dumping chocolate crumbles on his ice cream and then chocolate syrup atop of that before he had just started to eat the chocolate syrup directly from the little bowl on the tray. It was clear he preferred the chocolate more than the ice cream, but hearing Taz made him look up at her and grin. He was chocolate covered himself, just like most of the kids. Sticky hands, dirty faces, and having an absolute blast.

Renata, oh sweet Nata, the child that could get the devil himself in trouble, looked up towards Taz and Alex as she had mostly finished her sweet treat and tipped her head to the side. She seemed to study Alex for a long moment before she grinned at the pair. “You daddy?” Why wait for an answer? She leaned over the table as she glanced at Nicolas and pointed a finger at Alex. “See Nikki? You sees? Told you daddy comes back. He always comes back.” Nata just shrugged as if it was a matter of fact.

Taz opened her mouth, about to protest about Renata’s words, her entire body tensing as she listened to the girl. Alex had made no commitments, had not even had the opportunity to speak with her or her family. Hell, he hadn’t even met her family yet! Now here this child was telling her son that his daddy had returned and setting the poor kid up for heartbreak as far as Taz could see. She was just about to protest and speak when Alex cut her off.

Alex could feel Taz tense beneath his hands and knew that the woman was afraid of what Renata was telling her son. He couldn’t help but listen to the words, the matter of a fact way that Nata told Nikki that his dad was back and something inside of him swelled with pride at the thought of it. Would his mother be happy? Likely. She had wanted grandkids for a while now and his younger siblings were not even mated yet, so it wasn’t about to happen there. The overwhelming rollercoaster of emotions Taz was feeling seemed to bleed into him, or maybe it was his own thoughts, but before Alex could think about it, he was giving all the kids a smile and a nod. “Yes, Nata, I am back. I have been away, busy.” He did not know where the child’s father was, but based upon the reaction from Taz and the words from the little girl, he assumed gone.

Hearing Alex and the words that came from him so suddenly and with authority just made Taz cry. Unable to hold it in or reign it back, as suddenly, she just began to sob right then and there. He did not have to make that level of commitment yet, but he did. Taz knew he was unlikely to back out after stating such a thing, even if it was to children, and she just couldn’t help the tears that seemed to be falling rapidly down her face.

Renata was the first to get up, sliding out of her chair as she moved around towards Tazina and Alex, holding up her mostly empty bowl towards the woman. “Is shrew berries… it make yous feels better…” the girl had a sing-song like voice as she wiggled the bowl in front of Taz, clearly trying to clear her up from crying. “is make my eyes no leak no more when daddy give it to me.” Renata seemed to think that ice cream fixed all as she set it on Tazina’s lap and leaned against her legs.

Nikki slid out of his chair and hurried to run around it and over towards Tazina, because, well, momma was crying. He had to make it better! He was quick to get to her side, though struggled to get onto her lap since she was sitting on Alex’s lap. Alex reached a hand down, without much thought to it, as he was suddenly pulling the boy up onto Taz’s lap, mindful of where Renata and the bowl of ice cream were. Nikki seemed to think it was a great plan as he hugged Taz tightly about the neck the moment he was on her lap and leaned in to give her sticky chocolate kisses.

Alex realized at that moment that he was screwed. He had said what he said and meant it, but his brain hadn’t quite caught up with the level his heart was at until that moment. Looking as the little boy hugged his mom, trying to make her happy, and the way Renata had given up her ice cream. He realized Taz was special, this just made him realize how much more special she was than he thought before. Alex growled a happy little growl as he hugged Taz and Nikki both, one hand rubbing against Taz’s hip as he tried to comfort her.

Taz just needed a moment, it was a lot and all at once, but it wasn’t unwanted. She was grateful that Alex had said what he had and as Nikki and Nata both came over, she laughed a bit. “I’m alright, sometimes when you are very happy it is just too much to contain, and your eyes leak the excess happiness.” It seemed like a good enough answer, and it satisfied everyone as she hugged Nikki back and kissed his chocolate covered face with a sigh. “Everyone ready? I bet gamma and gramps are waiting already!” Her voice picked up a bit as she sighed, taking the bowl of ice cream from Renata and setting it back on the table as she reached out, lightly stroking the girl’s head. She was a good kid, regardless of her antics.

There was a collective scream from the kids as Taz mentioned the grandparents and every one of them abandoned their sweet treat in favor of getting to their feet and starting to run out of the doorway. They were a mess, the table was a mess, and Taz just laughed as she looked towards the kitchen. “Thank you, Catori.” Alex noted that this seemed to be a ritual because all the children just knew what they were going to go and do and where to be. He waited for Taz to find her footing before he stood up, arm still about her waist as he fell into place beside her, waiting for her to lead. There was a glance back towards the kitchen though, as he gave Catori a wave with his free hand.

Taz watched the children, waiting to make sure that everyone was up and going ahead before she moved to her feet, leaning on Alex and seeming grateful for his strength. She let the kids get a few steps ahead before she glanced towards him, worry still slightly tinged in her features. “Thank you.”

Alex looked down at Taz as he smiled, his free hand coming up to wipe the tears gingerly from her face. “There is nothing to thank me for, Taz. You are mine. He is mine.” There was a rumble in his voice that said he left no room for debate on this subject before he gave Taz a little nudge to get her moving as the kids were getting further up the hall.

Taz took a shaking breath before she gave a nod and then, at his nudge, started to move. Walking out of the kitchen area as she followed behind the children and glanced at Alex for a moment. “My parents usually have dinner on Friday nights with several other families. All grandparents get together to watch the children and let the parents have the night off. They usually go to the pool.”

“The pool? Its ice and snow outside.” Alex thought it was sweet and a great idea, giving parents a bit of time to themselves once a week. Actually, a lot of the things in this place seemed to make total sense even if they were not what he was expecting. He glanced at Taz a moment, brow arching.

Taz laughed a bit, keeping pace with the kids, watching them even though they seemed to know exactly where to go. “There are several pools here, indoor and outdoor. There are many that are just for children as they aren’t too deep and have more toys and floats than you can shake a stick at. Keturah believes that all children should know how to swim, just in case.”

Alex was lost in his thoughts for a moment, thinking about Keturah and how she trained the kids but seemingly through play and everyday life. It wasn’t like most that treated them as children and just let them do things without an explanation behind it. He had already seen the nursery and the way it was set up… she cared. She cared no matter if they were shifters or kin, no matter the breed. Alex already knew that in that small group of children there were wolves, cats, dragons and he was pretty sure a gryphon. It was hard to decipher all the smells that were muddled together so much because the children were clearly a group around one another frequently as their smells were bleeding into one another.

The children led them towards a portion of the castle that Alex had not seen, and he was content to give Taz time to tame her mind as they walked, and he followed the children. He noted that Renata was the leader, in all things, loud and boisterous and clearly had to take after her aunt, which made Alex laugh a bit. “She is the only dragon in this group, isn’t she?”

Taz smirked as she looked right at Renata who was hopping on squares on the wood floor and gave a nod of her head. “That obvious, hm? She is the heir to the dragon kingdom, but not. Her father lost his mate, was murdered. He has been raising her on his own and has no desire to be king. The position has moved to Faith, but she is busy with her job and only steps in when she needs to. For the time being, the dragons govern themselves pretty well and default to Keturah’s command. Eventually, hopefully, Faith will find her mate and whoever that is, will take the position. It will have to be a unique individual. Faith is as stubborn as they come, and you think Nata is bad? Do not make Faith mad.” Taz looked at Alex with a very serious look as she seemed to press that upon him before they rounded a corner and Renata just helped herself as she opened a door and went storming inside with all the kids following while screaming “I home!” Nikki paused to look back towards Taz and Alex before he too went into the room. Taz paused a moment, glancing at Alex as she smiled a bit. “Ready or not…”

Alex was interested in one tid-bit that Taz had stated. The dragons’ default to Keturah’s command. Either they respected her as much as the Alpha and Queen that she was, or Keturah held the weight of the Gryphon Queen. He was more curious about the Gryphon Queen than anything, but for the moment was not going to press too many questions upon people. He would sit back and learn, for now. He glanced towards the door as Renata went storming in, then down towards Taz. Both hands reached up cupping her face as he leaned in and pressed his body to hers while stealing a long slow kiss. His tongue pressed against her lips, demanding entrance before delving into the delicious warmth of her mouth as his arms wrapped tighter about her frame, parting only when the kin needed a breath and whispering. “I am now.”

Taz groaned into Alex’s mouth, her body heating up and desiring him right then and there. Damn, he knew how to make her knees weak, and she couldn’t help but to lean into his grasp with a moan as her tongue fought with his own until she needed a breath and he pulled away. Hearing his words made her laugh. Oh, he may think he was ready, but was he really? She turned then, giving his hand a little tug as she pulled him into the doorway.

Not ready. Not prepared. Alex stepped through the doorway with Taz and froze in place. It was a huge open area like a living room, but what stopped him dead in his tracks were the screams. “Congratulations!” seemed to be yelled at them from all corners of the room. There were several of his pack members there. Hell, maybe all of them, including his mother and father. They were standing near what he assumed to be Tazina’s family, children all over the place, dragons, bears, gryphons… it was a party! This did not look like a family get together, it looked like a party! Judging by the surprised expression upon Tazina’s face, she hadn’t been aware of it either and suddenly, Alex suspected his mother had a hand in this.